Macabre sign on hearse at dangerous intersection sparks controversy

Austrians are up in arms over an advertisement attached to a hearse parked at an accident-ridden junction in Scharding that reads “We are ready for you.”

Upper Austrian Economy Chamber official Ernst Sprinzl called the stunt “macabre and pitiless,” but admitted the advertising was legal, the Austrian Times reports. He said that he doubted it would have the desired result.

The head of the advertising agency responsible for the initiative said he hoped the sign would make drivers go slower.

He added that his company is planning another “high-value, aesthetic presentation” for the mortuary … a calendar with different models of coffins next to scantily clad women.